Depression is a serious condition that affects all aspects of a person's ability to function and live fully. Symptoms of depression can occur in both men and women; however, women are at greater risk than men of developing it. Prior to puberty, boys and girls are affected equally; but by adolescence and adulthood, women are diagnosed with depression at a higher rate than men. There are several factors that account for these differences.
Coping Styles
According to The British Journal of Psychiatry, men and women display vastly different coping styles when confronted by difficult situations. Men have a tendency to find activities to distract themselves, often finding physical outlets to lift their depressed mood. They may suffer from irritability rather than sad mood and may turn to their work as an outlet. Women tend to dwell on their feelings, are less active and worry about all the possible outcomes. This tendency to ruminate often prolongs the depressed mood. Women are also more affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression which takes place during the winter months.
Hormonal Factors
Beginning at puberty, girls begin to surpass boys in being diagnosed with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, hormones directly affect brain chemistry, which can then influence mood and emotions. Unlike men, women are affected by these changing hormones at particular times such as during menstruation, giving birth and later at menopause. Some women are affected more deeply by suffering with premenstrual syndrome during the hormonal spikes of menstruation. Other women endure postpartum depression after giving birth. This is a more serious form of depression that can negatively affect a new mother's ability to care for her newborn.
Societal Factors
Depression has incorrectly been associated with weakness or vulnerability by society. Men in particular are less likely to admit they are suffering from depression and are hesitant to seek help when needed. Help Guide reports that men tend to describe feelings of fatigue or loss of interest rather than admit they are feeling depressed. In addition, men tend to turn to alcohol, drugs or risky behaviors in an attempt to lift their mood.
Everyone copes with life pressures such as home and work responsibilities, relationship problems and financial stress. During these times, women are more likely to admit they are feeling depressed, turn to their social support network and seek help. While women suffer more from depression, men are more vulnerable to suicide, especially older men.
References
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, 2000.
- The British Journal of Psychiatry: Gender Differences in Depression
- Help Guide: Understanding Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
